More than 40 years old, influential Australian power pop band The Sunny Boys say they have broken up after one final tour.
Emerging from the Sydney music scene in 1979, the band amassed a devoted following through live shows and their acclaimed self-titled debut album. Their first stint was short and sweet, with the group splitting up in 1984 after the release of their third album. Several incarnations of the band have since played, but it wasn’t until 2012 that the original line-up hit the stage again.
Sunny Boys “Alone With You”
Over the last decade, the live show has remained somewhat stable, with 2019 marking its 40th anniversary with new recordings of old material. However, all good things must come to an end, and last year the Sunny Boys revealed they would wrap it up after their final tour in 2023.
To celebrate their final show, guitarist Richard Bergman said music feed Discuss the band’s early days, their legacy, and ultimately their decision to call it quits.
MUSIC FEED: What were the plans when the Sunnyboys first got together?
Richard Bergman: I had been in a few bands before Sunny Boys and was in a band with Peter. [Oxley] Called Shy Imposters.peter, bill [Bilson] and Jeremy [Oxley] All grew up in Kingscliff in northern New South Wales and were in bands together in high school.
But I was curious if I could single out. just vinyl. I never thought he would be pursued and bought by major labels and major independents. That was the plan: play a few gigs, get better, have fun and see what happens.
Midfielders: The band split up after their third album in 1984. What led to this situation?
RB: A four-year deal with Mushroom was contractually mandated. A year he offers one album. Like any band, it took him 20 years to write the first album and six months to write the second.
While the first album was all nice, bouncy pop songs, the second album was more introspective, introverted, and composed of thoughtful, slow-paced songs.
The third album I made in England was Better Because I had time. But Jeremy… his wheels were starting to turn. Schizophrenia started to appear and his behavior became erratic and I didn’t know why.
So by the time the band broke up in 1984, everyone agreed it was the right thing to do. That was our choice and we were supportive.
Sunny Boys “Happy Man”
Midfielders: There have been various reunions over the years, but it wasn’t until 2012 that a real deal was made. What led to this reform?
RB: The big thing is that Jeremy was finally correctly diagnosed with schizophrenia and put on medication. The woman understood his condition and was very happy to see him succeed as a musician.it’s the only thing he’s ever had TRUE I was good at it.
Thanks to Mary, he is stable and has all kinds of great support to get out and play. We remembered how good it was and how good it was. I said, “Okay, let’s try.” And it worked.
Midfielders: When the band got back together in 2012, did you feel like those good days were back?
RB: shortly. It was 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Enmore Theater. The venue was packed, with 2,000 people in the room.
We stood at the side of the stage waiting for the performance, but there was no soundcheck. Jeremy picked up his guitar, plugged it in, walked out on stage, and started setting up his amp. And the crowd just went wild. So we looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and said, “Okay.”
We played the song for 45 minutes and had no dry eye in the house. From then on it was one show or one set show at a time. “Can you do it?” Yeah, I think you can. “Can Jeremy do it?” Yeah, we think he can.
Sunny Boys “My Only Friend”
Midfielders: I don’t think there were any particular plans for a reunion show, but what was it that made you feel comfortable?
RB: As long as we are comfortable, as long as it is on our terms, as long as the fun is there, the fun is there. And do it in small batches to make it easier for everyone.
Midfielders: Fast forward, and the question arises: “Why did you decide to cram it in now?”
RB: Every time I go out, I think, “Can I do this?” And until now we’ve said yes, but now we’re getting to a point in our lives where things are getting harder and harder. It’s work and our dear, lovely, beautiful, wonderful Jeremy doesn’t get better. Given our age and circumstances, we are just about to know that we are still at the top of our game.
I don’t want to get to the point where I’m like, ‘Oh, that was embarrassing’ or ‘I shouldn’t have done that’ or ‘No, I can only do a 45 minute set’. We don’t want to go to the point of embarrassment for us or the audience.
Sunny Boys “Tunnel of Love”
Midfielders: How do you end a legacy like this? How do you wrap things up in a way that makes both you and your fans happy?
RB: We’ve been rehearsing for the whole week, and during practice, some of the songs we played had a moment where my hair popped behind my neck and I was like, ‘Oh my God. Some of these shows are going to be stellar.
Where the stars align, the gods conspire, everyone’s in the right place and the magic happens, it happens sometimes. To be on stage at… there’s nothing better than that.
We are happy with where we are going, what we are doing and why. So we shake each other’s hands and walk away with mutual respect. I think this is very important.
Sunnyboys – The Last Dance 2023 Australia Tour
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Friday 20th January 2023 – Dee Why RSL, Dee Why, NSW
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Saturday 21 January 2023 – Anitas, Thurroll, NSW
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Wednesday 25th January 2023 – Government, Adelaide, SA
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Saturday 28th January 2023 – Northcote Theater, Melbourne, Victoria
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Friday 10 February 2023 – Nightquarters, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
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Saturday 11 February 2023 – The Tivoli, Brisbane, Queensland
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Saturday 18th February 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Tickets are now on sale.
References
Watch The Clowns Rip Cover Of Sunnyboys’ ‘Alone With You’ On ‘Like A Version’
Richard Lane, Aussie garage rock legend and founder of The Stems, has died
Bad // Dreems team up with Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett for Like A Version of ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’
Sunnyboys final tour post: “We Have To Draw A Line” first appeared on our music feed.
